Visa on Arrival in Bali: Everything You Need to Know About Eligibility and Process
Traveling to Bali has become one of the most popular choices for international tourists, business visitors, and digital nomads. For many travelers, the first step before enjoying the beauty of Bali is to understand the entry requirements. One of the most common entry options available is the Visa on Arrival (VOA).
At Bali Visas Online, we help travelers and foreigners navigate Indonesia’s visa process with clarity and ease. This comprehensive guide explains what the VOA is, who is eligible, how to apply, and what rules you must follow to stay compliant during your time in Bali and Indonesia.
What is a Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Bali?
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a type of short-term entry visa that allows foreigners to enter Indonesia legally without applying for a visa at an embassy before arrival. It is specifically designed for citizens of certain eligible countries who plan to visit for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or government duties.
This visa is granted upon arrival at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport or other international entry points across Indonesia. It offers convenience for travelers who want to visit quickly without going through a lengthy pre-application process abroad.
Purpose of a Visa on Arrival
The VOA is intended for short-term stays and does not allow long-term residency or employment. The main purposes for obtaining a VOA include:
Tourism and holiday visits
Family visits
Attending business meetings or conferences
Short-term government assignments
Cultural and social visits
This visa is not suitable for those who want to work, study, or stay in Bali long-term. For those cases, other visa types are required, such as a work visa, KITAS, or investor visa.
Who is Eligible for a Visa on Arrival in Bali?
Eligibility for the VOA is based on nationality. Only citizens of certain countries are permitted to apply for this visa. These countries are listed under Indonesia’s official visa policy and include many popular tourist origin nations in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.
To qualify for a VOA, a traveler must:
Hold a passport from an eligible country (valid for at least 6 months from arrival).
Arrive at an international airport, seaport, or land border where VOA is available.
Provide proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside Indonesia.
Show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay.
Travelers who do not meet these criteria must apply for a different type of visa before entering Indonesia.
How Long is a Visa on Arrival Valid?
The VOA is valid for 30 days from the date of entry. Importantly, the day of arrival counts as the first day. Travelers must leave Indonesia or extend the visa before it expires to avoid penalties or overstays.
The VOA can be extended once for another 30 days, allowing a maximum stay of 60 days in total. After this, you must leave the country. If you wish to stay longer, another type of visa is required.
How to Apply for a Visa on Arrival in Bali
Applying for a VOA is straightforward, but it’s important to follow each step correctly to ensure a smooth entry. Here’s the process:
Arrival at the Airport – When you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, follow the signs for Visa on Arrival.
Prepare Your Documents – Ensure you have a valid passport, return/onward ticket, and any supporting documents required.
Payment – VOA requires payment in designated currency (usually USD or equivalent). Payments can be made at official counters inside the airport.
Visa Issuance – Once approved, the visa will be stamped into your passport by immigration officers.
Entry Clearance – You can now legally enter and stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days.
Required Documents for VOA Application
To ensure a smooth process, prepare the following documents before arrival:
Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date
At least one blank visa page in your passport
Return or onward flight ticket
Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
Completed arrival card (usually distributed on the flight)
Benefits of Using a Visa on Arrival
Many travelers prefer VOA because it offers:
Convenience – No pre-application needed at embassies or consulates
Flexibility – Ideal for last-minute travel plans
Accessibility – Available at major airports and seaports in Indonesia
Extension Option – Possibility to extend for another 30 days without leaving the country
This makes VOA one of the most accessible visas for those planning short stays in Bali.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with a Visa on Arrival
While VOA is simple, travelers often make mistakes that can lead to problems with immigration. Avoid these common issues:
Entering without sufficient passport validity (must be at least 6 months)
Forgetting to keep a return ticket
Overstaying beyond the visa validity period
Using VOA for purposes not permitted (such as work or long-term business)
Staying compliant with immigration rules ensures a hassle-free stay in Bali.
Extension of Visa on Arrival in Bali
For travelers who wish to stay beyond the initial 30 days, VOA can be extended once. The extension grants an additional 30 days, making the maximum stay 60 days in total.
The extension process must be done at a local immigration office in Bali before your original VOA expires. It usually requires:
Submitting your passport
Filling out immigration forms
Providing passport-sized photos
Paying the applicable extension fee
It is strongly recommended to begin the extension process at least one week before your VOA expires to avoid overstay fines.
What Happens if You Overstay a VOA in Bali?
Overstaying your visa in Bali can lead to penalties. Indonesian immigration enforces strict regulations, and overstays result in daily fines. In serious cases, it can also lead to deportation or being blacklisted from re-entering Indonesia.
To avoid these problems, always monitor your visa’s validity and apply for an extension in time if needed.
When VOA is Not the Right Option
While VOA is convenient, it is not suitable for every traveler. Consider other visa types if:
You plan to work or do business in Bali
You intend to stay longer than 60 days
You are from a country that is not eligible for VOA
You require multiple entries during your stay in Southeast Asia
For these situations, different visas such as business visas, multiple-entry visas, or residence permits (KITAS) are more appropriate.
Why Work With Bali Visas Online?
Although VOA is straightforward, many travelers still find immigration processes in Indonesia confusing. That’s where Bali Visas Online can assist.
We provide:
Clear guidance on eligibility and requirements
Support with visa extensions to avoid penalties
Assistance in choosing the right visa type for your situation
Local expertise to ensure compliance with Indonesian immigration law
Our team in Bali is dedicated to making your arrival and stay stress-free. Whether you’re coming for tourism, short-term business, or visiting family, we ensure your paperwork is in order.
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is one of the most convenient ways for eligible foreigners to enter Bali and Indonesia for short stays. It is simple to obtain, valid for 30 days, and extendable once for another 30 days. However, it comes with rules and limitations, and travelers must follow immigration laws closely to avoid penalties.
If you are unsure whether VOA is the right visa for you, or if you need help with the application and extension process, Bali Visas Online is here to help. Our law service in Bali specializes in visa assistance, ensuring a smooth journey from arrival to departure.
Start your Bali adventure the right way — with the right visa and professional support by your side.